ML20127J361
| ML20127J361 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Palo Verde  |
| Issue date: | 05/19/1989 |
| From: | Lieberman J NRC OFFICE OF ENFORCEMENT (OE) |
| To: | Mcnamee S ARIZONA, STATE OF |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20127G485 | List: |
| References | |
| FOIA-92-87 NUDOCS 9301250115 | |
| Download: ML20127J361 (2) | |
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 74 8
WASHINGTON, D, C. 20666 1.,*****j MAY 191989 Stephen M. McNamee United States Attorney District of Arizona 4000 United States Courthouse Phoenix, Arizona 85025-0085 Dear Mr. McNamee I havt been requested to respond to your April 25, 1989 letter to Chairman Zech concerning press reports about an April 19, 1989 NRC inspection report on the Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant.
In your letter, you asked whether the NRC report provided a basis either for criminal investigation or prosecutions, or for the institution of proceedings to collect civil penalties.
To assist you in understanding the current factual situation at Palo Verde, I am enclosing the NRC inspection report that gave rise to the press reports. As noted in the report, the NRC is currently considering the appropriateness of enforcement actions for the inspection findings.
The NRC also has underway a number of inspections and investigations concerning licensed activities at Palo Verde. While the Commission certainly appreciates your interest, it would be premature at this time to request the Department's assistance.
For your information concerning the NRC's enforcement process and the NRC's interface with the Department of Justice, I an enclosing two background cocunwnts:
the NRC's Enforcement Policy, and the Memorandum of Understanding between the Department and this agency.
The NRC Enforcement Policy explains the mechanics and policy considerations employed by the Commission in determining the type and severity of actions in response to licensee violations of NRC requirements.
The Memorandum of Understanding explains the procedures to be used l
to coordinate criminal referrals, enforcement actions,.and the exchange of information. As you will see in the MOU, the NRC's initial point of contact with i
the Department is the Chief, General Litigation and Legal Advice Section, Criminal Division. Thus, should the Director, Office of Investigations, determine that a referral is appropriate, he would begin by notifying the Criminal Division.
Again, the Co sission thanks you for your concern and looks forward to working closely with you in the future.
Should you desire further information, please call me at FTS 492-0741.
Sincerely, p
9301250115 920828 ames Lieberman, Director PDR FOIA Office of Enforcement JONES 92-87 PDR
Enclosures:
- 1. Inspection Report
- 3. MOU
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